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June 26, 2015

Blood & its Disorders

Blood is an incredible material that is responsible for so many processes in our body. We often take it for granted. Sometimes things go wrong with blood. Take a look at just a few conditions that impact our blood's health.

Anemia — Anemia is the most common disorder and is a condition in which the blood is not able to carry enough oxygen. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but is often due to a lack of nutrients or a severe loss of blood. Anemia of any kind can cause tiredness, shortness of breath and dizziness among other symptoms. Anemia can be a very serious issue.

Sickle Cell Anemia — Sickle cell anemia is a condition affecting certain ethnic backgrounds in which the hemoglobin is defective and causes the cells to become sticky and misshapen. They do not carry oxygen well and can even get stuck in veins and arteries. Sickle cell patients require blood transfusions frequently.

Clotting Disorders — In some people, the ability of the blood to clot is working improperly. Hemophilia is one such disorder. Blood does not clot appropriately and can result in excess bruising, bleeding internally, and severe bleeding from even the most minor cut. Hemophilia is an inherited disease and is very dangerous to the person who has it. Bleeding to death is a constant worry.

Neutropenia — White blood cells can also be the victim of disease too. Neutropenia happens when there are not enough white blood cells to protect against infection. The infection can cause serious damage to the person with neutropenia. HIV is a condition in which viruses attack the white blood cells and destroy them. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood.

Blood comes in other colors. Earthworms, leeches, and insects have green blood. Starfish and many other invertebrates have clear or yellowish blood. Lobsters and crabs have blue blood because it contains copper instead of iron.

Fish have a two-chambered heart with one atrium and one ventricle. Frogs have a three-chambered heart with two atria and one ventricle. Humans, all other mammals and all birds have a four-chambered heart with two atria and two ventricles.Also Read: